First Hurdle .. Cleared

Today was my last class of pastoral training, for the time being.  The last 11 weeks, and in particular, the last 10 days or so, have been super busy, as I've been wrapping up assignments, finishing evaluations, and saying my goodbyes to patients.  But I'm done.  I made it.

These last 11 weeks were the most meaningful weeks I've had in recent years.  In fact, arguably, only my time in the Philippines about 9 years ago did I feel more fulfilled than now.

After we finished a brief ceremony with the staff from the hospital, our class and supervisor went for a celebratory lunch at Doña Cata's.

I hope and trust that I will be accepted into the next unit.  Also, I hope that my classmates will be the same.  I already know that my supervisor wont be.  Change is on the way .. again.

Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, thank you for being present to me throughout this course.  I thank you and give you praise.  I leave my future in your safe hands.  Have mercy on me, a sinner.

Ralph @ GF Strong

Now that my first unit of pastoral care training is almost finished, I can begin visiting Ralph more often again.  The past 2 months have gone by seemingly fast: classes, visits, on-call emergencies .. it's hard to believe that the end of July is just around the corner.

I have a few major assignments left to finish the unit, and then I have some time off before I hope to begin the next unit in the Fall.  That is, if I get accepted.  I think I will.

Here's a picture of Ralph and I at GF Strong.

25 Years!

Today was Melanie and Heinz's 25th wedding anniversary. Amazing, how time flies. Even more astonishing is that they made their marriage last so long. I feel so privileged to be part of a family that values commitment. My parents have been married close to 50 years, my niece Tanis just got married two weeks ago, and now this celebration. I think there's a lot to be proud of.

 Especially heart-warming was also the presence of our dear Ralph at this celebration.

Lord, you've given us so much.  Help us to do our best with your gifts.

Tanis' Wedding!

I'm so proud of my niece Tanis: she got married today at the young age of 19! In this age of cynicism towards the virtues of purity, faithfulness and longevity, and particularly towards the institution of marriage, I'm so happy that she's taking this important step towards sanctification.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have Mercy on Jason and Tanis. May this holy union reflect and reveal the Love that flows within the Holy Trinity.

Equally exciting for us as a family was to see Ralph at the wedding. It was actually his first outing outside of the hospital. He lasted 4 hours in a wheelchair, and seemed to enjoy all but the last 30 minutes, when he seemed to be overwhelmed by tiredness.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have Mercy on Ralph. Continue to heal him in body, mind, and spirit.

Finally, Ted, Karin and family have returned to Canada (they arrived 2 days ago) and they were also at the wedding. It was good to see them again after a 2 year absence.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have Mercy on Ted, Karin, Neal, Priscila, Dylan, and Natasha. May they find their place again in this country.